WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN RESEARCHING THE COMPANY

Some of the information you want will be easy to get, some of it will be more difficult. Here is a list of questions to use as a guide when researching a company. Don't worry about answering all the questions; just do the best you can.

Suggestion: Print the Adobe PDF printable version (link did not work) of this form and use it next time you have to research a company.

Gather information about the organization:

Hint: This research topic is best done by searching the Internet and researching through the library.

How many employees work here?
How long has the company been in business?
How many previous owners?
Is this the regional or corporate office?
Is the company a subsidiary of a larger company?
What are the major products or services the company provides?
How financially stable is the company?
Who are the company's competitors?
What kind of reputation does the company have?
What are the company's values and mission statement?
What are the major weaknesses of the company?
What is the corporate culture of the company?
What benefits are offered by the company?
My questions to add (add our own research questions here):

Gather information about the position:

Hint: This research topic is best done by asking for an official job description. Alternative methods include searching the Internet and networking.

How did the position become open?
What are the day to day job duties and responsibilities?
Is there a career path?
Who is the supervisor?
How many people (if any) will I supervise?
Where does this job fit into the organization's structure?
What is the salary range for this position?
What did the last person do well/poorly?
My questions to add (add your own research questions here):

Gather information about the interviewer:

Hint: This research topic is best done by networking.

How long has he/she been with the company?
What is his/her level and area of responsibility?
What is his/her management style?
What is his/her communication style?
What is his/her reputation within the company?
My questions to add (add your own research questions here):